biostudies-literatureWatanabe TNaito FoundationTokai University Tokuda Memorial Cancer/Genome Basic Research GrantTokai University School of Medicine Research AidUehara Memorial FoundationTokai University School of Medicine Project ResearchJapan Society for the Promotion of Science437-442https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12687464biostudies-literatureUnknown74(6)Scientific research relies on microscopy. However, manual image acquisition and analysis are inefficient and susceptible to errors. Fully automated workflows are often task-specific, and current AI-based systems are costly and may face difficulties in new scenarios. Here, we introduce a semi-automated system utilizing macro keyboards to streamline workflows. Programming multi-action keys for tasks such as focusing, image capture and data analysis reduces the manual input, boosting efficiency and accuracy. This intuitive system saves time for both experienced users and trainees. This cost-effective solution improves accessibility, flexibility and usability, supporting not only diverse imaging applications but also broader scientific instrumentation processes.Microscopy (Oxford, England)Semi-automated image acquisition and analyses for broad users utilizing macro keyboards.PMC1268746415K21771 19K06493 23K21303 24K15292Watanabe TTaniguchi TfalseSemi-automated image acquisition and analyses for broad users utilizing macro keyboards.Scientific research relies on microscopy. However, manual image acquisition and analysis are inefficient and susceptible to errors. Fully automated workflows are often task-specific, and current AI-based systems are costly and may face difficulties in new scenarios. Here, we introduce a semi-automated system utilizing macro keyboards to streamline workflows. Programming multi-action keys for tasks such as focusing, image capture and data analysis reduces the manual input, boosting efficiency and accuracy. This intuitive system saves time for both experienced users and trainees. This cost-effective solution improves accessibility, flexibility and usability, supporting not only diverse imaging applications but also broader scientific instrumentation processes.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-12T03:14:24.537Z2026-06-12T03:08:09.511ZS-EPMC126874644017672910.1093/jmicro/dfaf018